IMMUNE SYSTEM DISORDERS
Allergies Over-reaction by the immune system to a harmless substance (pet hair, dust, pollen….) Involves 2nd line defenses (inflammation, watery eyes, runny nose….) TREATMENT: Antihistamines
As a result, “self” cells are destroyed. AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES The result of faulty immune systems that recognize “self” cells as foreign. As a result, “self” cells are destroyed.
Type I Diabetes Autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the pancreas…… So, the pancreas cannot produce insulin, which is a molecule that allows body cells to take in glucose from the bloodstream SYMPTOMS Abnormally high blood sugar Sugar in urine Weight loss Excessive thirst TREATMENT: Insulin injections
Rheumatoid Arthritis Autoimmune disease that attacks the joints of the body SYMPTOMS Painful, swollen joints….. especially within hands, knees, and feet Fatigue Fever TREATMENTS Anti-inflammatory drugs Immunosuppressive drugs
Lupus Autoimmune disease that can affect virtually any organ of the body……especially the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, heart, and lungs SYMPTOMS: Fever Achy joints Butterfly rash TREATMENT: Immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory drugs
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Autoimmune disease that attacks the body’s nerves SYMPTOMS trouble walking “pins and needles” bowel and urinary incontinence memory problems vision problems TREATMENTS: Immunosuppressive drugs
The host cells die in the process. HIV / AIDS HIV is a virus. Viruses are particles that cannot reproduce on their own, but they can reproduce inside living “host” cells. The host cells die in the process.
HIV infects human white blood cells, reproducing inside of them, killing them.
AIDS patients are susceptible to many infections that are lethal, including: Pneumocystis pneumonia Karposi’s Sarcoma (a form of skin cancer) Tuberculosis
How is HIV transmitted? Through the exchange of these bodily fluids: Blood Semen Vaginal Fluids Breast Milk
IMMUNE SYSTEM DISORDERS Allergies Autoimmune disorders: Type I Diabetes Rheumatoid Arthritis Lupus MS HIV/AIDS